Dyma Ni - Ray Ceredigion

DYMA NI - RAY CEREDIGION

Dyma Ni started as a collaborative project between RAY Ceredigion and Green Rocket Futures (GRF) through which to deliver support to disabled people aged 17–30.

The Dyma Ni project emerged out of a perceived gap in support for young people with disabilities in Ceredigion. Presently, as young people with disabilities reach the age of 18 there is a reduction in available support that facilitates social integration.

The project began with 10 weeks of taster sessions, designed to explore the skills and interests of the participants, and covered areas identified in the application including gardening, outdoor environmental activities, cooking, carpentry, willow work, arts and crafts. At RAY Ceredigion the participants participated in planning and cooking meals, arts and crafts, carpentry and IT. Whereas at Green Rocket Futures they grew their own food, learnt about small animal husbandry, gardening for climate change, photography and social media.

While GRF withdrew from the project at the end of 2019, RAY Ceredigion was confident the outcomes for the project could be realised using RAY premises, and that elements of gardening could be taken up in the Spring using the outdoor space at RAY.

A 6-month person-centred plan was developed for each young person with a schedule that allowed them to gain experience in their particular areas of interest. At the end of this 6 month period a further evaluation was held, taking into account records kept by project staff, the views of the young person, and if appropriate the views of parents, carers and professional support agencies. The aim of the review was to develop ways in which the skills and interests of each young person can help them to engage more fully with the wider community.

Due to the Covid-19 national lockdown, project activities had to adjust. Project staff kept in touch with participants via a project dedicated mobile phone with weekly welfare phone calls. As restrictions eased ‘Walk & Talk’ sessions on a one-to-one basis began to take place with a staff member meeting the young person in Aberaeron, outside, and spending two hours socially distanced walking and talking. The feedback received from this said it relived a lot of stress.

As a result of this specialisation and accommodation of participants’ needs, many have developed a range of new skills and had positive achievements. Additionally, participants have been noted to exhibit a growth in confidence and independence as a result of Dyma Ni.

When discussing the success of the person-centred plans, one staff member noted, ‘The benefit of this approach is that it’s really responsive to their individual needs and interests. This shows in the group. It’s very comfortable. Every young person is confident in the group. They feel very supported. That’s as a result of this approach.’

As a result of this pilot project, further funding has been secured to develop ideas that can become small scale social enterprise income generating activities. To view the full report on the success of this project and its benefits click here.

To view the Dyma Ni case studies click here.